key term - Proteins

Definition

Large biomolecules consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms.

Related terms

Enzymes:

Proteins that act as biological catalysts. They speed up chemical reactions in the body but aren't consumed by these reactions.

Amino Acids:

Organic compounds composed of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen; they're the building blocks that make up proteins.

Polypeptides:

Chains formed by linking together multiple amino acids via peptide bonds.